Russian protesters demand end to political crackdown

Activists from diverse political movements assemble in Moscow in sanctioned rally

Tens of thousands of activists have rallied in Moscow to call for an end to prosecutions tied to this summer's mass protests, as Russia's opposition seeks to maintain its momentum after the largest anti-Kremlin demonstrations in years.

Russian police estimated at least 20,000 demonstrators - and organisers said the numbers were higher - joined the sanctioned rally on a drizzly autumn Sunday to listen to speeches attacking the political crackdown amid chants of "let them go".